/ en Sun, 15 Jun 2025 02:33:00 -0500 Thu, 15 May 25 10:22:17 -0500 <p class="text-align-center"> </p><p class="text-align-center"><em><strong>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</strong></em></p><p class="text-align-center"><em>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</em><br><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its </em><a href="/advocacy/long-term-care-and-rehabilitation" target="_blank" title="Post-acute Care Team"><em>Post-Acute Care Team</em></a><em>, whose focus is to ensure post-acute care facilities', hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><h2><br><span>AHA EVENT </span> |  POST-ACUTE CARE CALLS</h2><h3>Next Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance call is May 20</h3><p>Join us on May 20 at 2 p.m. ET for the next Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance call featuring updates on regulatory news and the latest policy and legislative information in the post-acute care area.</p><p>Our monthly member calls will be audio only via Microsoft Teams.</p><p><span><strong>2025 Conference ID</strong></span></p><p><strong>Dial-in: +1 773-917-4239</strong><br><strong>Phone Conference ID:  663 409 476#</strong></p><p><strong>2025 Monthly Call Schedule</strong></p><table width="271" height="78"><tbody><tr><td>May 20</td><td>Aug. 19</td><td>Nov. 18</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>June 17</td><td>Sept. 16</td><td>Dec. 16</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>July 15</td><td>Oct. 21</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table><div>As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for future calls. Please send your ideas for topics and/or speakers to <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9KrV31DGFNscX8IibIY3_yDFzrH4jM1Khhhv0twWbQRHDSr9xe8z_lFfAPn6pBOq_BPE=" target="_blank" id=""><strong>sbrown@aha.org</strong></a>.</div><div> </div><div>Visit <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9KxarujsqNKYa8ONg3o1jdPtty_rAxSqNBf6JHEc3KLV2_0cRgMNRdPg_ujCGuPUKnwQ=" target="_blank" id=""><strong>AHA's Post-acute Care website</strong></a><strong> </strong>to learn more about key topics and resources.</div><hr><div id="article-headline-nik69fbe123-a3b4-4c36-831d-58273246810b"><h3><span>REGULATORY ADVISORIES</span></h3><div id="article-headline-nikc0717058-247e-4894-8b18-bea853ab01c1"><h3>AHA advisories detail CMS proposed rules for FY 2026</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik883847a8-9a41-48fc-91f1-8af9f792e8f8"><p>The AHA April 14 released advisories detailing proposed rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for fiscal year 2026 that update the prospective payment systems for the following categories:</p><ul><li><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9K9V2zc1-VjTSJORJDJN1dQWsRuML-HKHsAMW_V9FWOmKjEIOV0iFQ8EPqpH9Idy9s2c=" target="_blank">Hospital inpatient</a></li><li><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9K8o2ByuPH4gRlJqxgaGnJeFNa7nlitGwWrZz3kFImFxANB7MY38HM2ru4zbSPNh4f2c=" target="_blank">Long-term care hospital</a></li><li><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9K4Gr9DE8INsC_M24CxX_ahrqsuLD86RZbr6uJAxgbMVB64ebwtM80hyhe8cUYp__tLk=" target="_blank">Inpatient rehabilitation facility</a></li><li><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9Kg9vcsj617mBcreIlnRH3iFlHmp4rhk2oGB7xoMXJhHEZvZU0aCLLZlzxio2_lEH5e8=" target="_blank">Skilled-nursing facility</a></li></ul><p>In related news, the AHA April 15 released an <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9K0Qbkj6XbNmgt_TGSmt47VVIPZ1NZ4eNYhyImXl1UeJBVaLFp4PjwgaCAs0pubKVnzQ=" target="_blank">advisory</a> detailing CMS’ payment rate announcement for Medicare Advantage and Part D programs for calendar year 2026 and its final rule on policy and technical changes to MA, the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly</p></div></div><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nik48487905-bd96-4735-aab7-70cb79736ec4"><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2></div><div id="article-body-nik883847a8-9a41-48fc-91f1-8af9f792e8f8"><div id="article-headline-nike7eebb7a-7097-4028-a5cc-461b223c7e69"><h3>AHA issues support for legislation to strengthen LTCH reimbursement</h3></div><div id="article-body-nikb912cad8-7f28-4f61-946f-5fe4b1b22ba6"><p>The AHA <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9KkgpXYRHUbkrZ6Kx9eK3pzuk4W9WutS7fQ9g9sBkzX6APP3W0e2fQEXjdLaOV03TJA8=" target="_blank">voiced support</a> for the Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act (H.R. 1924), legislation that would provide reimbursement for long-term care hospitals. In comments to the bill’s sponsors, Reps. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., and Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., the AHA highlighted declines in the number of LTCH standard-rate cases, providers and reimbursement. Smaller, yet sicker patient populations have also become a challenge for LTCHs.<br><br>“The remaining patient pool is notably more acute and costly to treat, resulting in cases increasingly qualifying for high-cost outlier (HCO) payments to compensate for the lack of precision in the [diagnosis-related groups], as so many cases are consolidated into a limited number of DRGs,” AHA wrote. “However, the fixed-loss amount for HCO cases has risen by more than 300% since 2016, forcing LTCHs to take on significant financial losses when caring for these particularly ill patients.”</p></div><hr><div id="article-headline-nikc0717058-247e-4894-8b18-bea853ab01c1"><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2><div id="article-headline-nik7ebd4ce8-813a-476c-945b-53132a6deac9"><h3>AHA policy experts provide updates to regulation impacting post-acute care</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik7fd7d114-db15-4de1-84de-0f6bcb1bb3d0"><p>During the AHA's Annual Membership Meeting May 4, AHA health policy experts provided updates on key regulatory and policy developments impacting post-acute care. Topics included Medicaid Advantage and prior authorization, payment rules and regulatory relief. In addressing how the AHA is going to prioritize input for updated rules, Adrienne Thomas, senior associate director of standards and care delivery at the AHA, said, "We continue to refine our priority list. It's a little bit of a balance and helping the administration on seeing the quality of some regulations."</p></div></div><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nik330774e6-2401-4b5d-9400-03b2e93dc627"><h2><span>AHA CONFERENCE</span>  |  Future of Health Care</h2></div><div id="article-headline-nike5145af0-7bfe-4163-b031-7be683bb6198"><h3>2025 AHA Leadership Summit</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik62e98032-7631-4399-8293-258d2a63d96b"><p><em><strong>Early bird deadline: June 6</strong></em></p><p>AHA’s annual Leadership Summit takes place July 20-22 in Nashville, Tenn. Hospital executives, clinicians and experts will share innovative insights, inspiring ideas and disruptive solutions to drive transformative change in health care. Learn how to receive free registration by attending the AHA Hosted Buyer Forum. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9Kz-Rv99rJaouhTj5KTSTy9apkOsMjOcLsTFRmMa85kCYntLoIs9t_vspqK7ytRJegp0=" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><hr></div><div id="article-type-topic-nike49555b5-984e-4a7f-b0ba-c9d18baee98f"><h2><span>CALL FOR NOMINATIONS</span> |<span> Rural Health</span></h2></div><div id="article-headline-nik304d1b1e-e10d-4a1c-88ad-714cb92af166"><h3>2026 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik6badf47b-ee27-4da0-94f3-7ce72defd38b"><p><em><strong>Submission deadline: June 6</strong></em></p><p>AHA is seeking rural hospital executives, clinical leaders and trustees to present at its annual conference, taking place Feb. 8-11, 2026, in San Antonio. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9K4vWeNW7HFHhccENgYL3XFzXxoL51a3lGXxLFlSMovRNAaoA4zQxedwIyjJc2RBbT7A=" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><p>We are seeking proposals that reflect real-world experiences and innovative strategies from the front lines of rural health care. In particular, we encourage leaders from all segments of post-acute care to submit proposals that highlight unique challenges, community-based partnerships and success stories that can inform and inspire others.</p></div><hr><h2><span>AHA OPPORTUNITY</span></h2></div><div id="article-headline-nikf3c1e6c3-6eb9-43ce-b2a4-7a4c4aaf1067"><h3>Post-acute Care Spotlight</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik4de0a3bb-d885-47a8-82af-c1e4ab8b79c2"><p>The AHA invites members to share stories, blogs, podcasts, etc. that feature the work organizations and/or team members are doing in the post-acute care space. We encourage members to help us identify collaborations and equitable solutions that address access to quality post-acute care and improved health outcomes. </p><p>Note: We are also collecting patient stories pertaining to prior authorizations and discharge delays.  Please share any published stories or contact Shawna Brown directly at <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9KrV31DGFNscX8IibIY3_yDFzrH4jM1Khhhv0twWbQRHDSr9xe8z_lFfAPn6pBOq_BPE=">sbrown@aha.org</a> to share any recent experiences.</p><p><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGac4k9K-VekHV8fuWKCMErYimY_Fbn0ndQo1WzPyoP8e2WVpO8100pX9K2YTbuKnam3PUh_V0=" target="_blank"><strong>Submit your stories here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p></div><hr><div id="article-headline-nicdfcf8e0-306e-46e5-96e9-89cab1e1910a"><h3>Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance</h3></div><div id="article-body-ni5efada86-1c4d-4949-a6d5-3381c6f4c725"><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital are challenges for hospitals and the communities they serve. The Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li><div>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</div></li><li><div>Communication and education.</div></li><li><div>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</div></li><li><div>Grants, tools and resources.</div></li></ul><p>For additional information, <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2G-C-X64gobyhZCnOzs8g192S0HxaS4WZ2lJDQpETzFUY5-Sx2Cx9qPaPs9csQ1YuJE=" target="_blank">visit our website</a>.</p></div> Thu, 15 May 2025 10:22:17 -0500 Advocacy Alliance Update /advocacy-alliance-update/2025-05-08-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance-may-8-2025 <p><strong>New AHA fact sheets, resources for your site-neutral payment policy advocacy efforts</strong></p><p>To help with your ongoing advocacy efforts to push back against potential Medicare site-neutral payment cuts, the AHA is releasing two new materials. The first provides federal and state-level <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGaUOXhEPRhwtvtjAnZghFlxs4uekmnuiLgShkcAKOtsXjecKXmaYPI04cshXxkdVWSZr2207s%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Ccfa22a81619a4fe38fd808dd8e7c3c28%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638823386442443846%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3hjOrNACwuGEGD7ZoOgrQxea4H1%2B4wSfOw0%2Br1Mi0fE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">financial impacts</a> to hospitals and health systems for four site-neutral policies that Congress has previously considered. The <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGaUOXhEK3CRxFZ4JY7iK6Klq3ngPaCZi0A0wQNSx0BqweD3SvBzJ_teuSYqUI1tEyBH2xt5eU%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Ccfa22a81619a4fe38fd808dd8e7c3c28%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638823386442456887%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3d7ZTw79%2BgI0mpeaDPIk%2FYuAkBiUclxKjgI5jS4bh1s%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">second</a> shows how the policy with the greatest impact will also threaten the viability of local communities and result in fewer jobs and reduced economic activity in communities throughout the country.<br><br>As a reminder, visit the AHA’s <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGaUOXhEIlBrlSbLrSv4d5cX-oyMZpHk0Z0T8jJcrFy8pFe-Wd2nv9pAUyefcZ5Q4AU5Q9eFIg%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Ccfa22a81619a4fe38fd808dd8e7c3c28%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638823386442468841%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eZA%2FGRoFokyNuG3mZXiFSTv62Qjd6omtwuCGl3dJ4zg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Advocacy Issue Page</a> to access all the site-neutral advocacy materials.</p><p><strong>Further questions</strong><br><br>If you have further questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s director of federal relations, at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGaUOXhEBTLQyo-2PHkxFpx2odlWxsWLQDQTYqqVXDYfshcr9igENFxzy-RhTdX5hufWRA3e60%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Ccfa22a81619a4fe38fd808dd8e7c3c28%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638823386442480561%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pVt0XD5c3%2B02cYolWNrG4OrVgdEPbRfGylDi9B7MH8k%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">jkleinman@aha.org</a>.</p> Thu, 08 May 2025 14:38:32 -0500 Advocacy Alliance Update <p class="text-align-center"> </p><p class="text-align-center"><em><strong>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</strong></em></p><p class="text-align-center"><em>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</em><br><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its </em><a href="/advocacy/long-term-care-and-rehabilitation" target="_blank" title="Post-acute Care Team"><em>Post-Acute Care Team</em></a><em>, whose focus is to ensure post-acute care facilities', hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><h2><br><span>AHA EVENT </span> |  POST-ACUTE CARE CALLS</h2><h3>Next Post-Acute Care Advocacy call is Feb. 18.</h3><p>Join us on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. ET for the next Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance call featuring updates on regulatory news and the latest policy and legislative information in the post-acute care area.</p><p>Our monthly member calls will be audio only via Microsoft Teams.</p><p><strong>New 2025 Conference ID</strong></p><p><strong>Dial-in: +1 773-917-4239</strong><br><strong>Phone Conference ID:  663 409 476#</strong></p><p><strong>2025 Monthly Call Schedule</strong></p><table width="271" height="78"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Feb. 18</strong></td><td><strong>May 20</strong></td><td><strong>Aug. 19</strong></td><td><strong>Nov. 18</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>March 18</strong></td><td><strong>June 17</strong></td><td><strong>Sept. 16</strong></td><td><strong>Dec. 16</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>April 15</strong></td><td><strong>July 15</strong></td><td><strong>Oct. 21</strong></td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table><div>As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for future calls. Please send your ideas for topics and/or speakers to <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we5yS9Kl2lcCOfyIUg3Fx-FqMMpTnGp-mnOggAZkClWTKPrGWAmBp2-HkZV6Eg9xUsxAc=" target="_blank" id>sbrown@aha.org</a> .</div><div> </div><div>Visit <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we59SRjb3Qq2NIs3c1rdlC-1zRjhxWbuVlbF5oOuG-yUaWq6DCITr7Tt_dlUUsSK-cxbY=" target="_blank"><strong>AHA's Post-acute Care website</strong></a><strong> </strong>for the full calendar of future calls.</div><hr><div id="article-headline-nik69fbe123-a3b4-4c36-831d-58273246810b"><h3><span>ADVOCACY</span></h3><h3>AHA releases 2025 Advocacy Agenda</h3></div><div id="article-body-nike2c925fb-d863-4880-b2fb-d4e479512e37"><p>The AHA released last month its <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa1ySBiVd0YO3eMpWTTYYHYPLkcyaCfyrD70x7eDbyJj2lJSSEJVheOAroVU2SolMpWLM=" target="_blank">2025 Advocacy Agenda</a> detailing the association's key priorities for Congress, the Administration, regulatory agencies and courts. The agenda is focused on ensuring access to care; strengthening the health care workforce; advancing quality and health care system resiliency; leading innovation in care delivery; and reducing health care system costs for patient care. Note pages 7 and 8 for the post-acute care priorities.</p></div><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nik48487905-bd96-4735-aab7-70cb79736ec4"><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2></div><div id="article-headline-nikc0717058-247e-4894-8b18-bea853ab01c1"><h3>Administration continues executive actions; AHA releases resources for the field</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik883847a8-9a41-48fc-91f1-8af9f792e8f8"><p>The Trump administration continues to release executive actions and orders that could affect hospitals and health systems. The AHA has published resources to inform and help members, including a <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2K4clgQfmfgKkDTfPGvvDWNUOI5Ffus3SJQa6mwn1MZL65jQ9NsOV5YS0n1UwpGAhoo=" target="_blank" id>tracker of all executive orders</a>; an <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2Nj89crTVBGNAuXBaU5ioAHlJJCPyP5xIX9WYtQYNPg234BKSrJWge4fccgWnTBp9_k=" target="_blank" id>advisory</a> on the implications of the 2021 Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas; and an advisory on the <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2J3J6r0cEuAnHWHg94g7LmbXi1BgLAgLKAaVMNq2o798axe4e4yi_j7sm41AxY6kslY=" target="_blank" id>recission</a> of a memo that directed federal agencies to temporarily pause federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs implicated by the executive orders.</p><p> </p><div id="article-type-topic-nik48487905-bd96-4735-aab7-70cb79736ec4"><figure><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa166Rk2196n1GAK7GmeSYmCOSMEc1rout0M5VMLTwfj3YWiJ__qEhm49eRBPfns_Ug14="><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/2025_ENVSCAN2.jpg" alt="2025_ENVSCAN2.jpg" width="347" height="186" class="align-center"></a></figure></div></div><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nik626ca2db-033c-4fff-8b51-f5d2bd63b50c"><figure><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2FXe2fyzzon8nH3awrzuuW6rFCvPVeKNL6XaWoosiWIAf6HV6FU9gvEljLxSVq5nap0="><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/2025-Annual-EarlyBird.jpg" alt="2025-Annual-EarlyBird.jpg" width="630" height="320"></a></figure><hr><h2><span>AHA OPPORTUNITY</span></h2></div><div id="article-body-nike2c925fb-d863-4880-b2fb-d4e479512e37"><div id="article-headline-nike5145af0-7bfe-4163-b031-7be683bb6198"><h3>Nominate a rising health care leader for the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship!</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik62e98032-7631-4399-8293-258d2a63d96b"><p>The <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa19VLzf28B5JdATAyBxCPXuKzbnTqOfo5hFGDdttPlnwvbBUNlag-DDiVHFcy9AqiaLo=" target="_blank" id>AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship</a> prepares emerging health care leaders to drive meaningful change within their organizations. Through a year-long capstone project, fellows address key challenges in affordability, cost, quality and safety, <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2Hy0oS2sb48A5ZlnYp2AavRRkEQVzkyBdQzNQpaAnrxU6yWHL-GYw4gtALQ-H46hULo=" target="_blank" id>delivering measurable impact</a> to their hospitals and health systems. With guidance from executive-level mentors, fellows gain the skills and experience needed to lead transformation in health care.</p><p>Recruitment for the 2026 cohort is open until March 31. Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your organization’s future leaders. Please visit our <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa19VLzf28B5JdATAyBxCPXuKzbnTqOfo5hFGDdttPlnwvbBUNlag-DDiVHFcy9AqiaLo=" target="_blank" id>website </a>to learn more about the program and <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2GgA7TQcy39tQIn02xLWhAh6lnsnDVh1CPgVDwIRLCV2OixBhyWRYSQ_bghi3vcR4C4=" target="_blank" id>nominate</a> a high-potential leader from your organization. Together we can make significant contributions to health care as we work together to advance health for all.</p></div><hr><h2><span>AHA OPPORTUNITY</span></h2></div><div id="article-headline-nikf3c1e6c3-6eb9-43ce-b2a4-7a4c4aaf1067"><h3>Post-acute Care Spotlight</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik4de0a3bb-d885-47a8-82af-c1e4ab8b79c2"><p>The AHA invites members to share your stories, blogs, podcasts, etc. that feature the work your organization and/or team members are doing in the post-acute care space. We encourage you to help us identify collaborations and equitable solutions that address access to quality post-acute care and improved health outcomes that can be shared with our members. </p><p><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2GIKffxtwKetff-Ibl_LUtp3L9ItXIDH6lI0vOqk3oaF_u1t0GC2zTcy7qAUZr_Bs1k=" target="_blank"><strong>Submit your stories here.</strong></a></p></div><hr><div id="article-headline-nicdfcf8e0-306e-46e5-96e9-89cab1e1910a"><h3>Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance</h3></div><div id="article-body-ni5efada86-1c4d-4949-a6d5-3381c6f4c725"><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital are challenges for hospitals and the communities they serve. The Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li><div>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</div></li><li><div>Communication and education.</div></li><li><div>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</div></li><li><div>Grants, tools and resources.</div></li></ul><p>For additional information, <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZB1Wa2G-C-X64gobyhZCnOzs8g192S0HxaS4WZ2lJDQpETzFUY5-Sx2Cx9qPaPs9csQ1YuJE=" target="_blank">visit our website</a>.</p></div> Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:08:51 -0600 Advocacy Alliance Update /advocacy-alliance-update/2025-02-26-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance <p><strong>Register for March 6 AHA Site-neutral Advocacy Alliance call</strong></p><p>The AHA’s Site-neutral Advocacy Alliance will meet on Thursday, March 6 at 2 p.m. ET. This call will feature updates on the various site-neutral provisions Congress may be considering soon as well as an overview of new advocacy materials available to help with your outreach on this issue.</p><p><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY4cG0FGh5yFmAKDnS8U42rNAArtTQ2YLDgT5GW2oKWYO5r-shLxSTgEK1G5uYFRGq4o4ku7c%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C26c986483f034176cc7f08dd5676c424%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638761790304937777%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=K6R7E6mY3iOsEXSTIUDVo0Y1f2CiC6rc9FElYNv1SK8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Register for the March 6 call</a>.</p><p><strong>Tell Congress to reject site-neutral payment cuts; join AHA’s advocacy day in Washington, D.C.</strong><br>Congress continues to consider policies and proposals that would impact hospital patient care funding. The Senate and House introduced budget reconciliation frameworks, bringing Congress closer to a full reconciliation package that would have significant implications for hospitals. See the AHA’s recent <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY4cG0FNTbSj9_EG3V8ez02HVJ8YxKNlWaQbzQ8SI3MXA6BQ2eb-Wme-h3ndQNlL88Pvqdv60%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C26c986483f034176cc7f08dd5676c424%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638761790304949672%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DEWUf82N4OpK44Dt5FLB7ducpN6qlW%2B2Ffp%2FipyRoSQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Action Alert</a> for our key advocacy messages and resources that can assist you in conversations with lawmakers.</p><p>Hospital and health system leaders can <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY4cG0FFx0glaj1drddg7wYHzU_8iYaK0Q3o2sqH1vUHmnqRS7J-ObMXgnhWAqXExDz_ZBwFw%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C26c986483f034176cc7f08dd5676c424%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638761790304961263%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3Sk%2FgkCYiiD8sQWxfWkksw1HD7s5DWA70hBDqNBlNq4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">register</a> for a March 4 AHA Advocacy Day event in Washington, D.C. AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack and other AHA leaders will provide a briefing on the current congressional landscape and share key messages that they can deliver to their representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. This event is for AHA members only.</p><p>If you cannot make it to Washington, the AHA will virtually broadcast a live briefing for AHA members beginning at 10 a.m. ET. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY4cG0FKdedaAdqINweCF_WsVgbblA4svNEdYUErc5zsMHUX3kjGOeUC5WdOkw7u80VgUA1aI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C26c986483f034176cc7f08dd5676c424%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638761790304974592%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FCHMlCdXSGl%2BdyQP1b0BC9NavU%2Bid%2FTPXQfl5u3CBeQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Register for the virtual session</a>.</p><p><strong>Site-neutral advocacy resources</strong><br>Visit the AHA’s Site-neutral Payment Proposals <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY4cG0FIbs8y5II7xgCfE3VcTzcfJc3JFZjX44O7ZpZCueH8-X58ORNXYhiIRNYLnSPgdiFF8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C26c986483f034176cc7f08dd5676c424%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638761790304986003%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gtbXQnWilklt0clIhuj74%2BiRDXNMvjonGsbxVsEtgMI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Advocacy Issue page</a> for additional resources to assist in your advocacy efforts.</p><p><strong>Further questions</strong><br>If you have further questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s director of federal relations, at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY4cG0FF9tLM_oa5Jw_IDf6raWyt-MmLuzhi88tKMSfDJqtybn2F2j0QRhB_yzS4UdPq_NYuA%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C26c986483f034176cc7f08dd5676c424%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638761790304997370%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=S4z6vePrBmO174kJ%2BZR2JU6QvKY06hmQXduxz2J4jpM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">jkleinman@aha.org</a>.</p> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:36:54 -0600 Advocacy Alliance Update <p class="text-align-center"><em><strong>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</strong></em></p><p class="text-align-center"><em>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</em><br><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its Post-Acute Care Team, whose focus is to ensure post-acute care facilities', hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><h2><br><span>AHA EVENT </span> |  POST-ACUTE CARE CALLS</h2><h3>Next Post-acute Care Advocacy call is Jan. 21.</h3><p>Join us on Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. ET for the next Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance call featuring updates on regulatory news and the latest policy and legislative information in the post-acute care area.</p><p>Our monthly member calls will be audio only via Microsoft Teams.</p><p><strong>Dial-in: +1 773-917-4239</strong><br><strong>Phone Conference ID:  663 409 476#</strong></p><p><strong>2025 Monthly Call Schedule</strong></p><table width="271" height="78"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Jan. 21</strong></td><td><strong>April 15</strong></td><td><strong>July 15</strong></td><td><strong>Oct. 21</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Feb. 18</strong></td><td><strong>May 20</strong></td><td><strong>Aug. 19</strong></td><td><strong>Nov. 18</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>March 18</strong></td><td><strong>June 17</strong></td><td><strong>Sept. 16</strong></td><td><strong>Dec. 16</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><div>As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for future calls. Please send your ideas for topics and/or speakers to <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we5yS9Kl2lcCOfyIUg3Fx-FqMMpTnGp-mnOggAZkClWTKPrGWAmBp2-HkZV6Eg9xUsxAc=" target="_blank" id>sbrown@aha.org</a> .</div><div> </div><div>Visit <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we59SRjb3Qq2NIs3c1rdlC-1zRjhxWbuVlbF5oOuG-yUaWq6DCITr7Tt_dlUUsSK-cxbY=" target="_blank"><strong>AHA's Post-acute Care website</strong></a><strong> </strong>for the full calendar of future calls.</div><hr><h2><span>AHA EVENTS</span> | 2025 Calendar</h2><a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_39.png" data-entity-uuid="827669e2-3192-4fde-961d-73ae3051b304" data-entity-type="file" alt="2025 Rural Leadership Conference Banner" width="856" height="311"></a><a href="https://annualmeeting.aha.org/"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_46.png" data-entity-uuid="8e7cca62-8bb6-4e71-84be-9f94b8593c50" data-entity-type="file" alt="2025 Annual Meeting Banner" width="644" height="324"></a><hr><p><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY5qBpbdA6VRMaJc9wSDpHbuwKj0vVkFli2L1hXFK_qEkMyQO1zfBCMNWyZskly925I2iZVMk=" target="_blank"><strong>Accelerating Health Equity Conference</strong></a> </p><p>• May 20-22, 2025 • Atlanta<br>Be part of the conversation that brings together hospitals, health systems, public health and community organizations to find ways to build and sustain healthy, equitable communities for all.</p><p><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY5qBpbXCzbWxt-4x9okHLnvrZbFA91_x-Zo0A8rEvQdlNDmLMw21jJxv7sn1jRVcxlXgiDPQ=" target="_blank"><strong>AHA Leadership Summit</strong></a> • July 20-22, 2025 • Nashville, Tenn.<br>Senior hospital executives and thought leaders will share<br>transformational strategies and innovative approaches that will drive health care into the future.</p><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nik626ca2db-033c-4fff-8b51-f5d2bd63b50c"><h2><span>AHA OPPORTUNITY</span></h2></div><div id="article-headline-nik69fbe123-a3b4-4c36-831d-58273246810b"><h3>Post-Acute Care Spotlight</h3></div><div id="article-body-nike2c925fb-d863-4880-b2fb-d4e479512e37"><p>The AHA invites members to share your stories, blogs, podcasts, etc. that feature the work your organization and/or team members are doing in the post-acute care space. We encourage you to help us identify collaborations and equitable solutions that address access to quality post-acute care and improved health outcomes that can be shared with our members. </p><p><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGY5qBpbUki3KEnCvXIqKOorpKtBjmlDRJuQGDkLMHqWdpO9571iK-uYrmIKQEUDfT3G_MXqg0=" target="_blank"><strong>Submit your stories here.</strong></a></p><hr><h3>Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance</h3></div><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital are challenges for hospitals and the communities they serve. The Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li><div>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</div></li><li><div>Communication and education.</div></li><li><div>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</div></li><li><div>Grants, tools and resources.</div></li></ul><p>For additional information, <a href="/advocacy/long-term-care-and-rehabilitation" target="_blank">visit our website</a></p><p> </p> Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:48:00 -0600 Advocacy Alliance Update <p class="text-align-center"><em><strong>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</strong></em></p><p class="text-align-center"><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its </em><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJO8pXDzSfjs_3gN6tZAKJj_YHwo3umPCtYxaEH3zdZr_XQDFyTPicSt4SN-ZrveaGJlI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263828182%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rCxyyuAor48VtiJ4UPJ2Liah4QxeWc9pBVFfoEk0pSc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Post-Acute Care Team</strong></a><em>, whose focus is to ensure post-acute care facilities', hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><h2><br><span>AHA EVENT </span> |  POST-ACUTE CARE CALLS</h2><h3>Next Post-acute Care Advocacy call is Dec. 17</h3><p>Join us on Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. ET for the next Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance call featuring updates on regulatory news and the latest policy and legislative information in the post-acute care area.</p><p>Our monthly member calls will be audio only via Microsoft Teams.</p><p><strong>Dial-in: +1 773-917-4239</strong><br><strong>Phone Conference ID:  663 409 476#</strong></p><p><strong>2025 Monthly Call Schedule</strong></p><table width="271" height="78"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Jan. 21</strong></td><td><strong>April 15</strong></td><td><strong>July 15</strong></td><td><strong>Oct. 21</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Feb. 18</strong></td><td><strong>May 20</strong></td><td><strong>Aug. 19</strong></td><td><strong>Nov. 18</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>March 18</strong></td><td><strong>June 17</strong></td><td><strong>Sept. 16</strong></td><td><strong>Dec. 16</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><div>As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for future calls. Please send your ideas for topics and/or speakers to <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we5yS9Kl2lcCOfyIUg3Fx-FqMMpTnGp-mnOggAZkClWTKPrGWAmBp2-HkZV6Eg9xUsxAc=" target="_blank" id="">sbrown@aha.org</a> .</div><div> </div><div>Visit <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we59SRjb3Qq2NIs3c1rdlC-1zRjhxWbuVlbF5oOuG-yUaWq6DCITr7Tt_dlUUsSK-cxbY=" target="_blank"><strong>AHA's Post-acute Care website</strong></a><strong> </strong>for the full calendar of future calls.</div><hr><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2><div id="article-headline-nik007db3e6-e37f-4dc4-b54d-735dab13b138"><h2>Home Health Prospective Payment System Final Rule for CY 2025</h2></div><div id="article-body-nik8a130b5a-b6aa-42a8-a4aa-3d966b15451b"><p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services home health final rule increases home health payments by $85 million, or 0.5%, compared to CY 2024. Further, CMS is applying a behavioral adjustment of negative 1.8% as part of the new Patient Driven Groupings Model implementation, which is half of the proposed adjustment. </p><p>See the AHA’s Regulatory Advisory for AHA’s take and detailed highlights of the <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we6FVqP2SBxBVKNTuUGgrSY6Cn1DoDY2ZOtBTYyouh4svCvuNF1gKmUA5tj4VbO3mZXn4=" target="_blank" id="">home health final rule</a>.</p><figure><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/2025_Rural_EarlyReg-2.jpg" alt="2025_Rural_EarlyReg-2.jpg" width="600" height="305"></figure></div><hr><h2><span>AHA OPPORTUNITY</span></h2><h2>Post-acute Care Spotlight</h2><p>The AHA invites members to share your stories, blogs, podcasts, etc. that feature the work your organization and/or team members are doing in the post-acute care space. We encourage you to help us identify collaborations and equitable solutions that address access to quality post-acute care and improved health outcomes that can be shared with our members. </p><p><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we5x6GkH7SCgac_1FaUeLbMTrrAAReSqoAmrAas8lkR2z88oi8RudOu2z-zE8BweuoKFk=" target="_blank"><strong>Submit your stories here.</strong></a></p><hr><h2>Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance</h2><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital are challenges for hospitals and the communities they serve. The Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li><div>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</div></li><li><div>Communication and education.</div></li><li><div>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</div></li><li><div>Grants, tools and resources.</div></li></ul><p>For additional information, <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGXX4we59SRjb3Qq2NIs3c1rdlC-1zRjhxWbuVlbF5oOuG-yUaWq6DCITr7Tt_dlUUsSK-cxbY=" target="_blank">visit our website</a>.</p><figure><p> </p></figure> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:55:39 -0600 Advocacy Alliance Update <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its <strong>Post-acute Care Team</strong>, whose focus is to ensure post-acute care facilities', hospitals' and health systems' unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><p><span><strong>AHA WEBINAR </strong></span><strong> |  MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CHANGES</strong></p><h4><strong>New platform for Post-acute Care Advocacy calls</strong></h4><p>Please note, the platform for our monthly member calls will be audio only via Microsoft Teams.</p><div><strong>Dial-in: +1 773-917-4239</strong></div><div><strong>Phone Conference ID: 431 953 877#</strong><br><br>Join us on the third Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. ET for our Post-acute Care Advocacy calls featuring updates on regulatory news and the latest policy and legislative information in the post-acute care area.  Please note, you will no longer need to register.</div><div> </div><div><strong>2024 Call Calendar</strong></div><table width="429" height="78"><tbody><tr><td><strong>January 23 </strong></td><td><strong>April 9         </strong></td><td><strong>July 16</strong></td><td><strong>October 15</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>February 20</strong></td><td><strong>May 21</strong></td><td><strong>August 20</strong></td><td><strong>November 19</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>March 19    </strong></td><td><strong>June 18       </strong></td><td><strong>September 17</strong></td><td><strong>December 17</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><div>As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for future calls. Please send your ideas for topics and/or speakers to <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQHH09_xyAeoghhuJJEXmIJiPZzm5ou3WiFmgp5uBdAThISVROLqn2j2c3FYP37KfD3UynG4M=" target="_blank">sbrown@aha.org</a> or  <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQHH0-AIZg-OPAITtSfnSg6f5M-cYun8iol3ofaknsYkskETZ3ni1Zm1UmZ6LTqcXCTRKXO5Y=">rcoffey@aha.org</a>.</div><div><br>Visit <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQHH0-ALXwhPaOhnQeoiiNjwqcnHA0PlHuECsvHLIRfpGN4phhLCUWe3wsJohenbNZG9qUjWg=" target="_blank"><strong>AHA's Post-acute Care website</strong></a>f or the full calendar of future calls. <br> </div><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nika2cda2f7-96c7-4f8a-9811-85311533bbf4"><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY</strong></span></p></div><div id="article-headline-nik2fed0517-a3d9-401d-b9d6-985614281522"><h4>CMS finalizes SNF disclosure of ownership rules, applies definitions to hospital enrollment</h4></div><div id="article-body-nikdcb02eae-3ec7-4037-95d8-c6f9b1ce1618"><p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Nov. 15 issued a final rule requiring the disclosure of ownership, managerial and other information for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities. The rule also finalizes definitions of certain types of ownership entities that will apply to all institutional providers, including hospitals. AHA released a Regulatory Advisory on Nov. 20. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQHH0-ACOm7p4e1XYkG6mcv0UedFntSlQNgRB6yZfheBhrLkzYJA21C1LwQ3usn6crOsOca-Q=" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p></div><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY</strong></span></p><h4><strong>MedPAC urged to examine Medicare Advantage denials, hospital market basket</strong></h4><p>AHA Nov. 30 <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYQN_1Wnys6YXs8smeFYji9FozcScDtfWdqncT4YgOpcLU1b6vB9S2pqyY378TaxdroI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703656956375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ga5tRfyki0x9300T2tOxVs%2FdDRCDDKt%2Ban3helGU77k%3D&reserved=0" originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYQN_1Wnys6YXs8smeFYji9FozcScDtfWdqncT4YgOpcLU1b6vB9S2pqyY378TaxdroI=" shash="eK2mypSOi1hWh5NdiE0ROuTXJEMwJi/kcvAEv2MmFCtcrPVv+aG4etYGutVUM/1M272YvbItBOGgtWJ8xwZhSy3cOWWmbpzEYFPYYVzEKkILmYg9veiVa+jby/OnAwB8m/TgopOIwb5TC2EDkw8s9bzF508PKe+BTV/5gPFdGLo=">urged</a> the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to collect and examine additional data on prior authorization denials, appeals and response time in the Medicare Advantage program and monitor plan adherence with policies finalized in the MA final rule for contract year 2024. </p><hr><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY</strong></span></p><h4><strong>AHA-supported bill would prohibit HHS from finalizing long-term care staffing rule</strong></h4><p>A bipartisan group of senators last week introduced the AHA-supported Protect Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act, legislation that would prohibit the Health and Human Services Secretary from finalizing a proposed rule on minimum staffing for long-term care facilities. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYcU318n71t3UijMt853CGkRlBL2NC4cqGM4z3StPM7FkaVN_GU3EyA1WGkX3fIL9rA8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703656956375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=y%2BA%2BLbwvZm%2FUhMswHrmsy2OaizcMW4wyC2Z%2FsrDpZNU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYcU318n71t3UijMt853CGkRlBL2NC4cqGM4z3StPM7FkaVN_GU3EyA1WGkX3fIL9rA8=" shash="Xm3CbVIfxaZqCGQDqwDCRCz8Chs9QAu0ybM5UY3Fjy16LCU2T68nPpqwWUnGilR3VN1tgf/SeHIfBziF7Kmjb9qyK7DVybWLH/sy3c7e2pRwzCnfATIP01Q2nKED6/wB9ANxaLBJutUvvLSYXr9QoXhuV6i4rKPNVDKnjTd8uug="><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><hr><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY</strong></span></p><h4><strong>AHA issues summary of CMS’s final CY 2024 home health PPS rule</strong></h4><p>The AHA Nov. 16 released a detailed summary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ final rule for the calendar year 2024 home health prospective payment system. This final rule will increase HH payments by an estimated net 0.8%, or $140 million, in calendar year 2024 relative to CY 2023. This includes a market basket update of 3.3%, reduced by a statutorily required negative 0.3% productivity factor. A behavioral cut of 2.89% is expected to reduce payments by 2.6% since it is only applied to the 30-day payment rate and not to low-utilization case payments. In addition, CMS estimates that there will be an 0.4% increase in overall payments because of the effects of an updated fixed-dollar loss ratio for outlier payments. <strong>View the </strong><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYcWkOsgRbrCh0MfGmO0XB5gsBAkatSKoQgkKXKIeodanC52le_3BbCVAgdLb2z9dTcY%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703656956375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=h6w0CakgMVeIeWnHHz0rhvEakOif45SH6eSI%2Bs3piCc%3D&reserved=0" originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYcWkOsgRbrCh0MfGmO0XB5gsBAkatSKoQgkKXKIeodanC52le_3BbCVAgdLb2z9dTcY=" shash="lQt3aPOb1+G/Nb7RlQSSsXsaxW+LpJS2Vjuy7L1tafsJtRLwFtFRKj1iurCg3FT2Sg0/vgDE3ORpTDoB79lxXE0Oz9tJPszo/Ba52GzKkkbEQT6kcqPM3kdI8Ba1lbe/TBNurJnYdTUrUzKOV8fSkpFq77jai5A6Ps8NX8c5K5s="><strong>AHA Regulatory Advisory</strong></a><strong> for an in-depth summary and key highlights from the home health PPS rule.</strong></p><hr><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY</strong></span></p><h4><strong>MedPAC unveils draft payment recommendations for 2025</strong></h4><p>The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission on Dec. 8 discussed draft payment update recommendations for 2025, which the commission will vote on in January. The draft recommendations call for Congress to update Medicare payment rates for hospital inpatient and outpatient services by the current law amount plus 1.5%, and transition to a safety-net index policy that would distribute an additional $4 billion to safety-net hospitals. They also propose that Congress:</p><ul type="disc"><li>Update 2025 Medicare payments for physicians and other health professional services by 50% of the Medicare Economic Index increase, and enact a non-budget-neutral add-on payment under the physician fee schedule to services provided to low-income Medicare beneficiaries.</li><li>Reduce the 2025 payment rate for home health agencies by 7%.</li><li>Reduce the 2025 payment rate for skilled nursing facilities by 3%.</li><li>Reduce the 2025 payment rate for inpatient rehabilitation facilities by 5%.</li></ul><hr><p><span><strong>RESOURCE</strong></span></p><h4><strong>AHA releases guide for monitoring 2024 Medicare Advantage rule compliance</strong></h4><p>AHA Nov. 14 released a guide to help member hospitals and health systems understand and hold Medicare Advantage plans accountable for policy changes effective in January under the final rule for contract year 2024 to increase oversight and better align MA coverage with Traditional Medicare. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYmfLUZUGUOLBMTv4o_tj81jg4GZnRIeaQ6Z_RxxQRYDg-MNgQO_BK7ovg7SBDguE6PQ%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703656956375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eSdg05Z2MbWSkzPHKrn9hZQLpICmNKf1BjeJoV6v398%3D&reserved=0" originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYmfLUZUGUOLBMTv4o_tj81jg4GZnRIeaQ6Z_RxxQRYDg-MNgQO_BK7ovg7SBDguE6PQ=" shash="bgynEvILWCtpQvnnw6+BU+qeLtvca7A/54837DfSZ7KuAAyt97apd8Aevmy4ijTth0yT+k3reswAa+aRhCZ9MF9mqvghhdm7zMHwP8fJDzO1nbLCsC2sgNhwnhXIVClHimoTnpckWMl/t5E+ZunoLuqeO5PYjelksYdcY/Ir3wI=">Members can access the guide.</a> On Nov. 11, AHA staff also hosted a webinar on Medicare-Advantange MA hospital perspectives and next steps. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYi28GLl0GG7xRzVothbFb2p5FUolCYJkrvpYVN9xYDdj8yDm7-cfCJSQG6f1gbcKS1A%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703656956375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BA2cu843Z4IJMUPowVJLKPY5wzky5X7sqURvHA7yaWE%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" id originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYi28GLl0GG7xRzVothbFb2p5FUolCYJkrvpYVN9xYDdj8yDm7-cfCJSQG6f1gbcKS1A=" shash="y2fipman3pMpObMVUsUEKwnrMHK77cYlfGa4+7LYE2nMwc/AvxRZwKMyM7cVIsP6bhj797DDXhmHnrYQTN/kWosPnUjzU6bz24ffFCrWoMreTs9C5tsuAtUfKDPeqHptYGUeE7mu77To4TKljf+/kkA4o1BouRCdAIusXaZqd1w="><strong>Click here</strong></a> to listen to a recording of the call.</p><hr><p><span><strong>RESOURCE</strong></span></p><h4><strong>AHA releases 2024 Environmental Scan</strong></h4><p>The AHA Dec. 4 released its 2024 Environmental Scan, which provides key data and insights on the current health care landscape and helps hospitals and health systems explore important issues with staff, leaders, boards and community stakeholders. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYTXBvL6VmmSV2-Ym9XmfgDueVuDjAs-4igzmyCz3iVhmEh1SfUHxaJu3pHVJqoijPc0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703656956375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5VVy6ITjzdWbpUKji4Fz5CYzcZfb04OSuWjOy7s%2FXRI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYTXBvL6VmmSV2-Ym9XmfgDueVuDjAs-4igzmyCz3iVhmEh1SfUHxaJu3pHVJqoijPc0=" shash="pwBjiP6CSTsETFj0seQphXXmX1LFR5544DV8MNl9QqtbbYOiiZomflGULnWNWeQak5ja+S7LI1ZopBy+GzJnbQMur0urtN2SO12oxnEb8ONFg0LcTicHakHNMKv4wRb2+HCICYqAoq7YJV3as/jhZrySE/5do02HBUrereJgm3Y="><strong>LEARN MORE</strong></a></p><hr><p><span><strong>RESOURCE</strong></span></p><h4><strong>New ‘People Matter, Words Matter’ on caring for colleagues</strong></h4><p>Health care workers encounter adverse events and stressful situations that may require time and space to process. The latest poster in AHA’s “People Matter, Words Matter” series gives examples of compassionate language health care workers can use to support their colleagues after a distressing situation. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYr6b0umos3e3bI9CfaMDUVKfN7Tik1R6o7MQBHEXI-n02lekVZRxXyw-uq51sVv329E%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703656956375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NR9xGS8VKSWII5cNHPaTzzlkf1c83Ri5gWyg2TfnID0%3D&reserved=0" originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYr6b0umos3e3bI9CfaMDUVKfN7Tik1R6o7MQBHEXI-n02lekVZRxXyw-uq51sVv329E=" shash="t1ZR+xZJvUZig0XRO1OTpgzK96oLUVeYQpZ8nEk4eRyFS5YuseqGG0SDXHqxKXY6gzBVplmHuNo+mjJ487fXVS72u6xUK9CpVEyflFNUw0rdZ/DJSvBMbfedxTXrbUoZfY3XOyXzplBFUSawW8VeIOXrg/TTEYQ9cN7x+yoTcOM="><strong>DOWNLOAD HERE</strong></a></p><p><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/Rural%20Health%20Leadership%20Conference%202024.png" alt="Rural Health Leadership Conference 2024.png" width="600" id="_x0000_i1025"></p><p><span><strong>AHA EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY</strong></span><strong> |  POST-ACUTE SESSION OFFERED AT RURAL CONFERENCE</strong></p><h4><strong>Transforming Rural Post-acute Care: Innovative Partnerships and Care Models</strong></h4><p>Gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic strategies and various partnership models that are reshaping post-acute care in rural communities and improving health care outcomes. Discover the steps taken toward the development of innovative home-based care alternatives tailored to rural areas and gain an understanding of the challenges posed by health care disparities and post-acute "deserts" in rural America. Delve into staffing issues in resource-scarce regions and the difficulties associated with recruitment. Explore the potential of health system collaborations with public health resources and the transformative impact of leveraging telehealth services to enhance health care accessibility and quality in rural areas. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYmL_dHu1-vi-5XMSskbC3eD8qqFUmS-lJpjJSkGht64ExaJ5me3d-mShpVR36MdJPiE%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703657112583%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=y5mTFoetzntj32o0rQCWgX0udE5q7cLkT3nTPIif3Mg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" id originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYmL_dHu1-vi-5XMSskbC3eD8qqFUmS-lJpjJSkGht64ExaJ5me3d-mShpVR36MdJPiE=" shash="EqUMpAz8PAVIL/Zu5xiigbM+/4D7MMX9WyofhiAHUoT8s7eVNySmRp/wZUAIwvydwoftn6tK1qm4WKiNiNysNe+J1Ll9OgHI3JKckaf/OcYnSiKqAkZRU2xjrHrSkPqx38bGpAlyizBuGeorYUxVTlCgVWemfaP5BZED7dAOSfg=">Click here</a> to learn more and register.</p><p><strong>Speakers</strong></p><p>Tina Donkervoet, Assistant Vice President-Care Coordination<br>Wellstar Health System, Marietta, Ga.<br><br>Eric Garrard, FACHE, Vice President, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine<br>Wellstar Health System, Marietta, Ga.<br><br>Bryce Sillyman, FACHE, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer</p><hr><p><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/May-24%20STD_AHEC.jpg" alt="May-24 STD_AHEC.jpg" width="600" id="_x0000_i1025"></p><hr><p><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/125%20years%20logo.png" width="600" id="_x0000_i1025"></p><p><strong>AHA Celebrates 125th Anniversary.</strong> This year marks the 125th anniversary of the ���������� Association. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYTNMMCAv6M9z-Q54RzSVuBsjbq8jMthKcViLERXU63VP43utV8ml-YBzFQb_778Oguo%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703657112583%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=B%2F0fTVzNBJ8xMebnljlVXrtzCEH5fV9MywkstFhS34w%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" id originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYTNMMCAv6M9z-Q54RzSVuBsjbq8jMthKcViLERXU63VP43utV8ml-YBzFQb_778Oguo=" shash="UWG8rUr02CXYQ/WQbQqXbeS4JEezq0AVDAGr9Q1tEtqQonv8zYYyiRxbxeYvOjRKwPrWu0jaO/jkOESkaiKtTJbcV2R64ZORUh9BDRk3FQajTk78yiL552VhCYnJIXHnQT9XqfYtvNzPzUSlcojIyIn+kEbdxgU4cYFVp9ZAKCo="><strong>View AHA’s webpage</strong></a> commemorating this milestone to see a timeline of the work done by AHA and its members to advance health in America over the years.</p><hr><p><span><strong>AHA OPPORTUNITY</strong></span></p><h4><strong>Post-acute Care Spotlight</strong></h4><p>The AHA invites members to share your stories, blogs, podcasts, etc. that feature the work your organization and/or team members are doing in the post-acute care space. We encourage you to help us identify collaborations and equitable solutions that address access to quality post-acute care and improved health outcomes that can be shared with our members. </p><p>Submit your stories <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYjbR_bdi5hn73W6kx03BBHCZ2l9-ml7d1689VgBll2XgFXj0HwdTJ9FW-d-9HuBvKw0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703657112583%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1%2FdRo0J3qdCD0VtqSvpaQskHPfrHXNoTZHPPDUoz40A%3D&reserved=0" originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYjbR_bdi5hn73W6kx03BBHCZ2l9-ml7d1689VgBll2XgFXj0HwdTJ9FW-d-9HuBvKw0=" shash="YTGjg0sVbI3YJfQvBa8kHXFTQqu1VcmCXriePfDGa3D6qidc1DU4fVNS1O0jBt378gwLdN3w9uhHYWkPyNKPrCm9XXrrALEKSIzTlBsyc4RXgk1yGIPsz6Ph01DvnBn7qMF3J13QVTUfBOvN00Z2W3r8loPr/SfJZxUZWr+3SqI="><strong>here</strong></a>.</p><hr><h4><strong>Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance</strong></h4><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital are challenges for hospitals and the communities they serve. The Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul type="disc"><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance</li><li>Grants, tools and resources</li></ul><p>For additional information, visit our <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYizPnHgEgG0xWniRuG61HYPSOiY3Zpi7WG412VrJ4Nb-2ZTTRSBMvOs4MZRL3MiZv-o%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd684a89e390e4f49702b08dbfcc6f376%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638381703657112583%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=13Abahf%2FtaS1xYyYHbVL7Z%2FX9ZIyLUSAjh8F%2FIfhTyI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" id originalsrc="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGQCENwYizPnHgEgG0xWniRuG61HYPSOiY3Zpi7WG412VrJ4Nb-2ZTTRSBMvOs4MZRL3MiZv-o=" shash="X30noa2IdixBa4iLgdzcVRZNYlbchMTybFLwq8DiprIBvyqlYL+2ctb3G06ydDgVl8c3JvOJkDc/Rl6UR120Q77apy1D4XxH66W5gkXUAvbq7zs/RMt1/eY6M/NaxfPjSxmVEY65gkxeVQfheudZDR6Jc6kzv+aYv420urQKbk0="><strong>website</strong></a>.</p><hr></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2023/12/AHA-Post-Acute-Care-Advocacy-Alliance-News-Update-20231214.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the AHA Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance News Update — December 14, 2023 PDF."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-AHA-Post-Acute-Care-Advocacy-Alliance-New-Update-20231214.png" data-entity-uuid="72ad12ce-5985-4cda-96f8-d8ec25999229" data-entity-type="file" alt="AHA Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance News Update December 14, 2023 page 1." width="693" height="900"></a><p> </p></div></div></div> Fri, 15 Dec 2023 10:07:41 -0600 Advocacy Alliance Update /2023-07-14-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance-bulletin <p><span><span><strong>Register for July 20 Site-neutral Advocacy Alliance call</strong></span></span><br><span><span>The AHA’s Site-neutral Advocacy Alliance will meet on Thursday, July 20 at 1 p.m. ET. This call will feature an update on the most recent legislative developments related to site-neutral payment policies. Register for the July 20 call </span></span><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZP-FLMRcCS0gnwTWjLVppGFT0ynkze9zC6Ms7byvxL9XY0xuWq1Eu1kXNNlBJXthnpA%3D&data=05%7C01%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C4a2e9f3bae4d4f6315c908db83dd0f15%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638248757707943335%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jRAN1ghzjzdqTDis%2BJl%2B424%2FSgQ5VFodyQhxN7cMb5s%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" id="" originalsrc="https://email.advocacy.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZP-FLMRcCS0gnwTWjLVppGFT0ynkze9zC6Ms7byvxL9XY0xuWq1Eu1kXNNlBJXthnpA=" shash="OcdVq0bEIN56lLsWG+n6f/3bfvSawvPZIDkZmT90r2tBokrcbb3RDVoz0vOD7PebvvYcXq26qkgvoaKJUiNsGJJEdHLztFVH586abn54H6yPHwJcpb8DxnY7uYnrVTaViFKSn4pVRu85Ydv14o9C++HDXi6O6obN7vL7aieT5Xk="><span><span>here</span></span></a><span><span>.</span></span></p><p><span><span><strong>AHA op-ed in The Hill pushes back against site-neutral proposals</strong></span></span><br><span><span>An </span></span><a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4078385-proposed-medicare-cuts-jeopardize-access-to-care-for-patients-and-communities/?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZAM4tR36nLmKaLliA8RhLGT9sEsrUJ_jUbtX0qsKyy-80YJmOryQaTCoeGP07Ihh8b0gwMfbjo-lW5LPgUUuZMZ8hFcLXd71VCMV0dJfYw" target="_blank" title="Op-ed by AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack published in the Hill, July 2, 2023" originalsrc="https://email.advocacy.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZAHQzPCTAKyWgZBC1gZJQiLBPlJpp8RO1hPst-ZlRMEIszbBe_UFk7SGbIw0VHco5jg=" shash="bjsl7OdqWml4xuMpryFWlfK/ED0gX1j3hAHbwR84hDRm1lMOulOfkw0Jht07hEiBmBcbIMsWThl844y7ts3c9i2V6UplupT85sj8QLI7d32OvwQ5f4X9ZAYxZgmEYOvpGxk5vF2BEXYTEpWyPcDOskkFl6Grq4UpfAZasXwXTBQ="><span><span>op-ed</span></span></a><span><span> by AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack published in The Hill July 2 outlines five reasons why site-neutral payment proposals are flawed and should be rejected.</span></span></p><p><span><span>“Congress is considering several pieces of legislation that would impose billions of dollars in additional Medicare payment cuts for services provided by hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs),” Pollack writes. “If enacted, these misguided so-called 'site-neutral' policies would reduce patient access to vital health care services, particularly in rural and other medically underserved communities.”</span></span></p><p><span><span><strong>AHA Action Alert informs members to alert legislators to reject proposals that can cut Medicare coverage, including those enacting site-neutral payments</strong></span></span><br><span><span>Members received an </span></span><a href="/action-alert/2023-07-11-two-things-hospital-leaders-can-do-today-help-stop-potential-medicare-cuts?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZFsCzbPYwMO0YW_V4VTe_z3jynQbuTqlBWZdC3PAKxxHqDyhJEhnjDr1mC7u2280bLOED67Zd7BR3gk4Arf2W5SErh6a8yBgcnCvroEAkw" target="_blank" originalsrc="https://email.advocacy.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZEXmhzkl0xAZhvgdAOnInR_oDsiptcL4dDoHNPRkAXkK6wxIaUKw-zHs2dkVNRj7R7Y=" shash="KS2EkggWdP8ww9zC325v5XXQEUx0BiINRMRA4+8+tmj1NrV71NhNC1RKAW+uO6JtpkUAYb0kNvxjWQ2Q03hHgkQJfSluViK4BDtmeSGAoWWQ5YTX4cZcSWSgrDlqowQbnbRALnV6Xg8tfpCyo3d2fuQymIKWuT5prT0B4W2lsnc=" title="AHA July 11 2023 Action Alert"><span><span>AHA Action Alert</span></span></a><span><span> July 11 informing them that Congress is expected to consider legislation later this month that could result in billions of dollars in Medicare payment reductions for hospital care. Members were advised to urge their lawmakers to reject legislative proposals that would result in Medicare cuts and reduced access to care, including those that would enact additional site-neutral payments. They were also advised to schedule a visit for their congressional lawmakers and/or key congressional staff to visit their hospital during the August recess.</span></span></p><p><span><span><strong>Further questions</strong></span></span><br><span><span>If you have further questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s senior associate director of federal relations, at </span></span><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZDP02BCl9bso5VMS2MPBIfNKD5V-sjjJCiLTUc6MruMCARH0jTNgZtEtKNU_OypGtSo%3D&data=05%7C01%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C4a2e9f3bae4d4f6315c908db83dd0f15%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638248757707943335%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t%2BwZd8MH677ZwePPr7cFwDp6tj8qEt0juKA0bqsWV%2Bk%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" id="" originalsrc="https://email.advocacy.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGM79gaZDP02BCl9bso5VMS2MPBIfNKD5V-sjjJCiLTUc6MruMCARH0jTNgZtEtKNU_OypGtSo=" shash="U5FRGYLYiPdWLVqiEvd4Tl9lDK5U8HmlwWRwIQ36P3+ebHISyK3NDrETKPQ52lYOKt/SqMDYbXHsCK+Ninal/eSDo4p+Pc/9y+KF8NTEM5dkWixjj468PbXRo7KW0zoTnuIEEg0jyldTeqicAoe1JJRuIqYX8waWb1PPOLNytlY="><span><span>jkleinman@aha.org</span></span></a><span><span>.</span></span></p> Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:14:26 -0500 Advocacy Alliance Update <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <p>Dear Inpatient Rehabilitation Members,</p> <p><strong>DEADLINE EXTENDED: Urge Your Senators to Sign ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter to CMS on Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) Implementation</strong></p> <p>A bipartisan <a href="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/IRF%20RCD%20Letter%20Language%20Sen%20Boozman_Casey_.pdf" target="_blank">‘Dear Colleague’ letter</a> is circulating in the Senate by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Bob Casey (D-PA). The letter urges the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure safeguards are in place as the agency implements the Medicare IRF RCD. These safeguards are necessary and purposefully designed to minimize erroneous “medical necessity” denials that could adversely impact access to IRF care and services.</p> <p><strong>Specifically, the letter calls for CMS to: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Publish data on the rates and types of claims denials under the demonstration on a regular basis, so any unintended impacts on patient access to IRFs are addressed quickly; </li> <li>Ensure that IRF RCD auditors have adequate knowledge and training to conduct accurate and informed evaluations; and  </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Develop a stakeholder feedback process to ensure that IRF providers, patients and other impacted entities can maintain a dialogue with CMS to identify and address any unforeseen consequences.  </li> </ul> <p><strong>Please contact your Senators today to ask them to sign on to this bipartisan letter.</strong> They can reach out to Josh Kramer (<a href="mailto:josh_kramer@aging.senate.gov">josh_kramer@aging.senate.gov</a>) and Ryan Lozak (<a href="mailto:ryan_losak@boozman.senate.gov">ryan_losak@boozman.senate.gov</a>) to sign. <strong>The NEW deadline for signatures is Friday, September 30th.</strong></p> <p>Thank you.</p> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2022/09/post-acute-care-advocacy-alliance-update-9-22-22.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="AHA Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance Update - September 22, 2022." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid src="/sites/default/files/2022-09/cover-post-acute-care-advocacy-alliance-update-9-22-22.png"></a></p> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:37:27 -0500 Advocacy Alliance Update <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <p><strong>Dear Inpatient Rehabilitation Members,</strong></p> <p><strong>Urge Your Senators to Sign <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/ol/hk9SdczOdlhd6BAnu8a1Dv-4zniRLMH74vEwRKW-g5pvlFhsfeiCdQy40IYFTdQ_du6XBV9AVZRoxFEIXPObIdAG__xZVlOxVz35hbj6boVPP7th24d09qz4izBV8oraxRrPAUoNS0J5aVvPOeh51m-1dpU7SxGGpz2Hcw,,/jEhWecbNKVlNoVdlsbPWMbnikSbPaIvmurR8R_j01YAsygcpI7yCAm3DxYUETd07aOiZBBFfOqJHhV4IKMOxOdIQ1vBJH0SgHWmvrKDUaJhPdrE2jpFS-qbgijAnpdKYn13CNmwPU3R1W0iNbbl_iTbzD4QsVF6p4F7WGbEzsRwr1e8q4reKXJKT3EyE5mLx5wreE1MowNeZ7w67AI9oqs07mWYO6wQhfO3A4ADXyqlouzEuuOgurik8wcxdKdg9zBmiTw-u6LjxW_BXduOBnevxvtsRWRUktLM_TmX0IGu3G7qiUThf_UOcsSA6EwNYcDV0BtYgmQ,," target="_blank">‘</a><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/">Dear Colleague’ Letter</a> to CMS on Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) Implementation.</strong></p> <p>A bipartisan  is circulating in the Senate by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Bob Casey (D-PA). The letter urges the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure safeguards are in place as the agency implements the Medicare IRF RCD. These safeguards are necessary and purposefully designed to minimize erroneous “medical necessity” denials that could adversely impact access to IRF care and services.</p> <p><strong>Specifically, the letter calls for CMS to: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Publish data on the rates and types of claims denials under the demonstration on a regular basis, so any unintended impacts on patient access to IRFs are addressed quickly; </li> <li>Ensure that IRF RCD auditors have adequate knowledge and training to conduct accurate and informed evaluations; and  </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Develop a stakeholder feedback process to ensure that IRF providers, patients and other impacted entities can maintain a dialogue with CMS to identify and address any unforeseen consequences.  </li> </ul> <p><strong>Please contact your Senators today to ask them to sign on to this bipartisan letter.</strong> They can reach out to Josh Kramer (<a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/ol/hk9Vd8LGdlhd6BAnu8a1Dv-4zniRLMH74vEwRKW-g5pvlFhsfeiCdQy40IYFTdQ_du6XBV9AVZRoxFEIXPObIdAG__xZVlOxVz35hbj6boVPP7th24d09qz4izBV8oraxRrPAUoNS0J5aVvMPOl30mmwdpU7SxGGpz2Hcw,,/j01Xd8LLLFxYvEti5KaTLbrloD7Se5WtqZx8Dv7o1YEt3EZ_ZumBP075195aCK0mauLDLxg1BLxX0CFsObDHUrRl29R8LGaNfCjZt6rlP6pMJJBl3sQz-KSz2lEfkPuluF-YDk4DdnJZdA6IJK03kXDjabMWDDS31XLQYKsptzkjyLEz34azRIfiyH6p9kbg1AOFJ25L9fSQz1WMCI1aof8bkU10-Hczf8LO1WPC7LMcpy0,">josh_kramer@aging.senate.gov</a>) and Ryan Lozak (<a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/ol/hk9SdMPLdlhd6BAnu8a1Dv-4zniRLMH74vEwRKW-g5pvlFhsfeiCdQy40IYFTdQ_du6XBV9AVZRoxFEIXPObIdAG__xZVlOxVz35hbj6boVPP7th24d09qz4izBV8oraxRrPAUoNS0J5aVvMPOdx3G23dpU7SxGGpz2Hcw,,/j01ZcczPK1xYvEti5KaLO6jjoDnPaZmjm75yBu3r08Fwyk1wc_jKdkbgnoxcF4YNceaVXCwKNodN9hx1LsPFLq5039R8KmaVZx_sppbRUN1pc-FXysNkra-pzmI0sOektXbPXUgPTUdvURaVfPIykyiqNMkAalCwylTIJNIPlgMZrvAI4Zu_ZYqArUCt_EfEyg24P0JC0tCu4Xm1PJ1-q-0ppW8ouEABaOLU2wORx5IqkCgw">ryan_losak@boozman.senate.gov</a>) to sign. The deadline for signatures is Thursday, September 22nd.</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p> </p> <hr> <p> </p> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2022/09/post-acute-care-news-update-9-20-22.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="AHA Post-Acute Care Advocacy Alliance Update - September 20, 2022." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid src="/sites/default/files/2022-09/cover-post-acute-care-news-update-9-20-22-cover.png"></a></p> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:52:02 -0500 Advocacy Alliance Update